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Pilot and Instructor Report Uncontrolled Descent During Mountain Flight; Wreckage Found 10 Hours Later (N5545N)

Gorman, CA, US

On November 25, 1988, a Cessna 182R (registration N5545N) was involved in an aviation accident near Gorman, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED INTO AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT. THE EXISTENCE OF A MOUNTAIN WAVE ALONG THE AIRCRAFT'S FLIGHT ROUTE, THE FAILURE OF THE CREW TO EVALUATE REPORTED WEATHER CONDITIONS ALONG THE FLIGHT ROUTE, THE CREWS ATTEMPT TO FLY INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Two pilots on a personal instrument flight over mountainous terrain reported an uncontrolled descent before losing communications and radar contact. Search parties located the wreckage ten hours later.

Flight and Weather Briefing

An instrument-rated private pilot and an instructor pilot received a full weather briefing before departure. The briefing reported standing lenticular clouds and gusty surface winds along the proposed flight route. The pilots subsequently took off on a personal instrument flight over mountainous terrain.

Reported Emergency

As the aircraft began its descent for landing, the crew reported that they had entered an uncontrolled descent. Shortly thereafter, communications with the aircraft were lost. The aircraft's radar target disappeared, and an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal was detected by ground search parties.

Search and Recovery

Search parties initiated a ground search and located the wreckage ten hours later. The aircraft was destroyed. The details of the aircraft type, registration, operator, and the identities of the occupants were not included in the available information.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Nov 1988 Cessna 182R accident near Gorman, CA?

Two pilots on a personal instrument flight over mountainous terrain reported an uncontrolled descent before losing communications and radar contact. Search parties located the wreckage ten hours later.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Nov 1988 involved a Cessna 182R, registration N5545N, at Gorman, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED INTO AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT. THE EXISTENCE OF A MOUNTAIN WAVE ALONG THE AIRCRAFT'S FLIGHT ROUTE, THE FAILURE OF THE CREW TO EVALUATE REPORTED WEATHER CONDITIONS ALONG THE FLIGHT ROUTE, THE CREWS ATTEMPT TO FLY INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE OVER CONFIDENCE OF THE CREW IN THE…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27267. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.